How to Make a Library Catalog Card Online

A library catalog card is a compact record for a book. Traditional cards usually include the author, title, publication details, physical description, subject notes, and a call number or shelf location. If you are making cards for a home library, classroom, scrapbook, or prop project, you can keep the same classic structure without needing a full library database.

What to Put on a Library Catalog Card

Start with the information someone would need to identify and find the book. The most useful fields are:

• Call number, shelf code, or entry number
• Author name, usually formatted as last name, first name
• Book title and subtitle
• Publisher, city, and year
• Page count or physical description
• Short notes, summary, genre, or subject terms

How to Create a Printable Card

1. Open the free library catalog card generator.
2. Enter the book details you want on the card.
3. Choose a style, such as vintage typewriter, modern serif, or clean sans.
4. Pick a card size for printing or saving.
5. Download the finished catalog card as a PNG or PDF.

When to Use a Catalog Card Template

A library catalog card template is helpful when you want consistent cards across a collection. Teachers can use them for classroom libraries, readers can use them in journals, and makers can use them for book-themed displays or gifts. The generator gives you a repeatable layout without needing to design each card from scratch.

Tips for Better-Looking Cards

Keep titles readable, shorten long summaries, and use the same style across related cards. For a more authentic look, try a typewriter-style font and print on ivory or cream card stock.